Sri Prasanna Venkateswara Swamy Temple – A Hidden Vaikuntha in Andhra Pradesh

 

Temple Overview: Konda Bitragunta

• Temple Name: Sri Prasanna Venkateswara Swamy Temple
• Location: Konda Bitragunta, near Kavali, Bogole Mandal, Sri Potti Sriramulu Nellore District, Andhra Pradesh – PIN 524142

Deities Worshipped

• Presiding Deity: Lord Sri Prasanna Venkateswara Swamy
• Depicted in Abhaya Hasta posture (symbolizing protection)
• Unique feature: Shanku (conch) and Sudarshana Chakra (discus) are reversed compared to traditional iconography
• Other Deities:
• Goddess Padmavathi Devi
• Andal Devi
• Sage Narada Maharshi (worshipped for dispute resolution through Kalaha Nivarana Puja)

Historical Background

• Established: Circa 1356 AD during the Chola dynasty
• Sthala Puranam:
• The temple is located in Bilakuta Kshetram, a sacred hill where Sage Narada performed penance to lift a curse.
• The name "Bilakuta" is derived from "Bila" (tunnel), believed to connect to other Vaishnavite shrines.
• The site is revered as "Kaliyuga Vaikuntha" – a divine abode of Vishnu in this age
• Legend:
• Narada Maharshi was cursed and sought redemption through penance here.
• He requested the area be transformed into a Vaikuntha-like realm.
• A devotee princess, Gauramba Venkateswara, dreamt of the Lord’s presence on the hill and initiated temple construction

Temple Traditions

Daily and Periodic Rituals

• Dhoopa Deepa Naivedyam: Performed daily with devotion, offering incense, lamps, and food to the deity.
• Archana & Harathi: Regular offerings of flowers and camphor light to the deity.
• Abhishekam: Ritual bathing of the deity with sacred substances like milk, curd, honey, and turmeric.
• Kalyanotsavam: Symbolic celestial wedding of Lord Venkateswara with Goddess Padmavathi.

Unique Tradition: Kalaha Nivarana Puja

• Purpose: To resolve disputes among couples, families, or business partners.
• Deity Involved: Sage Narada Maharshi, whose idol is uniquely worshipped here.
• Belief: Worshipping Narada here brings peace and reconciliation, a rare tradition not commonly found elsewhere.

Major Festivals

• Panchahnika Brahmotsavam (March): A five-day grand celebration attracting lakhs of devotees.
• Vaikunta Ekadasi, Rathotsavam, and other Vaishnavite festivals are observed with grandeur.

Architectural Highlights

Style & Structure

• Sanctum Sanctorum (Garbha Griha):
• Modeled after Ananda Nilayam of Tirumala, with a golden-hued vimana.
• The deity is in Abhaya Hasta posture, symbolizing divine protection.
• Mandapam Sculptures:
• Intricate carvings from the Chola period (1356 AD) still visible on pillars and ceilings.
• Reflects a blend of Dravidian and early Vijayanagara styles.

Unique Iconography

• Shanku (Conch) and Chakra (Discus) are reversed in the deity’s hands—an extremely rare depiction in Vaishnavite temples.
• Bilakuta Kshetram: The temple is built on a hill believed to have a tunnel (bila) connecting to other sacred sites, enhancing its mystical aura.

Temple Complex

• Temple Tank (Koneru): Used for ritual purification and Theerthavari during festivals.
• Hilltop Location: Offers panoramic views and a serene atmosphere ideal for meditation.
• Marriage Mandapams: The temple hosts multiple weddings simultaneously, especially during auspicious muhurthams.

Scriptural and Mythological References

Sage Narada’s Penance

• According to local tradition, Sage Narada Maharshi performed penance at this site to lift a divine curse.
• He is believed to have consecrated the idols of Lord Prasanna Venkateswara and Goddess Padmavathi here.
• This aligns with his role in scriptures as a divine messenger and spiritual provocateur who ultimately brings about cosmic balance.

Kalaha Nivarana Puja – A Rare Tradition

• The temple is one of the very few in India where Narada is actively worshipped to resolve disputes.
• This practice is rooted in the belief that although Narada is often seen as a “troublemaker” in mythology, his actions are always for a divine purpose that leads to peace.

Bilakuta Kshetram – The Tunnel Legend

• The name “Bilakuta” is derived from “Bila” (Sanskrit for tunnel), suggesting a mystical underground connection to other Vaishnavite shrines.
• This belief is symbolic of spiritual connectivity and hidden divine pathways, often referenced in regional lore.

Vaishnavite Shlokas and Worship

• Devotees chant Vishnu Sahasranama, Achyutam Keshavam, and other Vaishnavite hymns during worship.
• These are scripturally rooted in texts like the Mahabharata, Bhagavata Purana, and Pancharatra Agamas, which guide temple rituals and deity worship.

Temple Timings

Day	Morning Timings	Evening Timings
Monday–Friday	6:00 AM – 12:30 PM	5:00 PM – 8:30 PM
Saturday	6:00 AM – 1:00 PM	4:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Sunday	6:00 AM – 12:30 PM	5:00 PM – 8:30 PM

Daily Pooja Schedule

Time	Ritual Description
6:00 AM	Alaya Suddhi (Temple cleansing)
6:30 AM	Suprabatha Seva
7:30 AM	Tiruvaradhana
8:00 AM	Sahasranamarchana
8:30 AM	Maha Nivedana (1st Bell)
10:30 AM	Archana to Srivaru and Ammavaru
10:45 AM	Maha Nivedana (2nd Bell)
12:15 PM	Visranti Seva
12:30 PM	Temple Closes (Midday)
5:30 PM	Aradhana, Panakam, Naivedyam
7:00 PM	Tiruvaradhana
7:15 PM	Archana
7:30 PM	Maha Naivedyam (3rd Bell)
7:50 PM	Ekanta Seva
8:00 PM	Neerajanam

Special Weekly & Monthly Pujas

Day & Time	Special Seva Description
Friday – 9:30 AM	Abhishekam to Sri Varu and Ammavaru
Friday – 6:00 PM	Kumkumarchana to Ammavaru
Friday – 8:00 PM	Pallaki Seva to Ammavaru
Sunday & Tuesday – 9:30 AM	Archana and Aaku Puja to Anjaneya Swamy
Saturday – 8:00 PM	Sahasra Deepalankarana Seva
Saturday – 11:00 PM	Ekanta Seva (Late night ritual)
Saturday – Evening	Pallaki Seva to Santana Venugopala Swamy
Rohini Nakshatram Day	Abhishekam, Archana, Navaneeta Harathi, Venna Harathi to Venugopala Swamy
Pournami (Full Moon) – 7:00 PM	Garuda Seva to Srivaru
Every Saturday	Annadanam (Free meal distribution)

Getting Here

By Train

• Nearest Railway Stations:
• Bitragunta Railway Station – ~6 km
• Kavali Railway Station – ~12 km
• Both stations are well-connected by passenger and express trains from:
• Vijayawada
• Gudur
• Tirupati
• Chennai
• From the station, you can hire autos or local buses to reach the temple.

By Bus

• APSRTC buses and private services operate frequently to Kavali and Bitragunta.
• From Kavali Bus Stand, take a local auto or shared vehicle to Konda Bitragunta.

By Road

• Located just 12 km from Kavali on the Kavali–Bitragunta–Bogole route.
• Roads are well-paved and scenic, passing through lush green fields and gentle hills.
• Ample parking is available near the temple.

Travel Tips

• Best Time to Visit: Early morning or evening for a peaceful darshan and cool weather.
• Footpath or Drive: You can either walk up the hill via steps or drive directly to the top.
• Nearby Attractions: Bitragunta Koneru, local village temples, and seasonal jatara events.

Tips

Plan Your Visit Around Ritual Timings

• Arrive early in the morning (6:00 AM–8:00 AM) or evening (5:00 PM–7:00 PM) for peaceful darshan and to witness Suprabatha Seva or Tiruvaradhana.
• On Saturdays, the temple is open till 10:00 PM, making it ideal for attending Sahasra Deepalankarana Seva and Ekanta Seva.

Spiritual Preparation

• Many devotees observe vratam (fasting) or chant Vishnu Sahasranama before visiting.
• Bring coconuts, flowers, and tulasi leaves for offering. You can also purchase them near the temple.

Participate in Special Sevas

• Kalaha Nivarana Puja is highly recommended for resolving personal or family disputes.
• Friday Abhishekam and Saturday Deepalankarana Seva are spiritually uplifting and visually beautiful.

Annadanam & Prasadam

• Free meals (Annadanam) are served every Saturday—plan your visit accordingly.
• Don’t miss the Panakam and Maha Naivedyam offered in the evening.

Photography & Conduct

• Photography is generally allowed outside the sanctum. Be respectful and avoid flash inside.
• Maintain silence and avoid mobile use during poojas.

Family-Friendly Atmosphere

• The temple is peaceful and safe for families and elderly devotees.
• There are shaded areas and water facilities near the temple.